eves.

Inercy to all that fear him: The Lord think upon our covenant-keeping brethren of the kingdom of Scotland, keep then faithful to thee, and let It then that have invaded them, overspread their whole land. Prevent the shedding of more Christian blood, if it seem good in thine God shew mercy to thy poor servant who is here now giving up the ghost: O blessed Jesus, apply thy blood, not only for my justification unto life; but also for my comfort, for the quieting of any soul, that so I may be in the joys of heaven before I come to the possession of heaven. Hear the prayers of all thy people that have been made for thy servant; and though thou hast denied prayer as to that particular request concerning my life; yet let herein the fruits of prayer be seen, that thou wilt bear up my heart against the fear of death. God shew mercy to all that fear him, and shew mercy to all who have engaged for the life of thy servant; let them have mercy at the day of their appearing before Jesus Christ. Preserve thou a godly ministry in this nation, and restore a godly magistracy, and cause yet good | days to be the heritage of thy people, for the Lord's sake. Now Lord, into thy hands thy servant commits his spirit; and though he may not with Stephen, see the heavens open, yet let him have the heavens open: and though he may not see upon a scaffold the Son of God standing at the right hand of God, yet let him come to the glorious body of Jesus Christ, and this hour have an intellectual sight of the glorioas body of his Saviour. Lord Jesus receive my spirit, and Lord Jesus stand by me thy dying servant, who hath endeavoured in his life time to stand for thee: Lord hear, pardon all infirmities, wash away his iniquity by the blood of Christ, wipe off reproaches from his ! name, wipe off guilt from his person, and receive him pure, and spotless, and blameless before thee in love. And all this we beg for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen." His Prayers being ended, Mr. Ash said, You make a Christian end, I hope. Love. Ay, I bless God. Then turning to Mr. Sheriff Tichburn, he【 said, "I thank you for this kindness, you have expressed a great deal of kindness for me. Well, I go from a block to the bosom of my Saviour."

and this death is a long sleep, where I shall rest in Abraham's bosom, and in the embraces of the Lord Jesus."

And then saying, "The Lord bless you!" he laid himself down upon the scaffold with his head over the block; and, when he stretched forth his hands, the Executioner cut off his head at one blow.

"Eknow," says Heath, "some scruple will be made against these persons, [Love and Gibbons] as Presbyterians and sufferers upon another account than of the fifth commandment, as having their own, and the king's interest interwoven with it: but all things considered, without much reconcilement of the different opinions; in this case we may venture to register, and enroll them in this Martyrology. For without all doubt, the bottom of their design was the king's restoration, and however it was clogged with salves and conditions for themselves and their party (which abates something of the lustre, though not of the worth of this crown) yet the main was loyalty, which they hoped to vindicate and evince to the world, who had hard thoughts of | them in the matter of the king's death in the previous method thereunto.

"This confederation was therefore begun just upon the conclusion of that horrid murder, that what they could not remedy in that, they might compensate in this, and by a timely application to his present majesty, redeem themselves into his good opinion and favour, forfeited by their former averseness to their duty towards him.

To this purpose, most of the eminent ministers of that way in London, had several meetings and conferences in consultation and debate of the manner of their proceeding in this affair. Among them Mr. Love appeared to be most active and stirring, whether out of conscience of some unwarrantable, undutiful demeanor towards the king during the war, I take not upon me to determine. The rest were Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Robinson, Dr. Drake, Mr. Watson, and others. Of the lay-part captain Titus, Mr. Potter, an apothecary in Black-friars, Mr. Gibbons,' and some else. These held intelligence both with the king and the parliament of Scotland, then not agreed, but in expectation of a treaty, which was the

Lorce. Where is the Executioner? When the Executioner came forward, he first thing endeavoured by these men here to be said, Art thou the Officer ?

Executioner. Yes.

promoted, and with desired effect concluded.
"Their chief meeting-place was Mr. Love's,
where their intelligence was communicated,

Love. (Lifting up his eyes) O blessed Jesus, that hath kept me from the hurt of death! Oletters read, and advice given upon the several blessed be God! blessed be God!

Then taking leave of the Ministers, he said, The Lord be with you all!

And taking leave of sheriff Tichburn,he kissed kis hand; then kneeling down, he made a short prayer privately.

Rising up he said, "Blessed be God, I am fall of joy and peace in believing: I lie down with a world of comfort; as if I were to lie down in my bed: my bed is but a short sleep,

emergencies of that business; which proceeded so far, that the king and his subjects of Scotland, having ended the treaty, and his majesty arrived in Scotland, whether Cromwell with the English army was also advanced, and had worsted the Kirk's army at Dunbar; they coacluded of raising an army in this kingdom to the assistance of that nation, and the recovery of this from the slavery and tyranny it suffered under.

"This passed through so many hands, engaged in it, and was so publicly owned, that the Council of State bad very early notice of the whole design, so that they dained most part of the while in the net; information being given of every day's proceedings, and of what additions or accesses of persons to the design: which soon after, when they had let it run as far, as without danger they might trust it, they drew the curtain, and apprehended most of the aforesaid persons, and brought them to trial before a high court of Justice, which was yet standing, and had not yet put off their blood-died robes, in expectation of this grand contrivance, which should make them farther work.

"Mr. Love being one of the chief, was first tried, afterwards some others, who recanted, and humbly besought the parliament's mercy, as Mr. Jenkins and Potter, but Mr. Love's submission (such as it was, for they required confession and discovery too) came too late, and to no purpose; so that he, and this Mr. Gibbons a taylor, was condemned by that high court for the same business, lost their heads on Tower-hill, as aforesaid."

|

with their utmost power, the man was condemned and executed upon Tower-hill. And to shew their impartiality, about the same time they executed Brown Bushel, who had formerly served the parliament in the beginning of the rebellion, and shortly after served the king to the end of the war, and had lived some years in England after the war expired, untaken notice of, but upon this occasion, was enviously discovered, and put to death.

"It is a wonderful thing what operation this Presbyterian spirit had upon the minds of those who were possessed by it. This poor man Love, who had been guilty of as much treason against the king, from the beginning of the rebellion, as the pulpit could contain, was so much without remorse for any wickedness of that kind that he had committed, that he was jealous of nothing so much, as of being suspected to repent, or that he was brought to suffer for his affection to the king. And therefore when he was upon the scaffold, where he appeared with a marvellous undauntedness, he seemed so much delighted with the memory of all that he had done against the late king, and against the bishops, that he could not even then forbear to speak with animosity and bitterness against both, and expressed great satisfaction in mind for what he had done against them,

joy of mind, that he felt in being brought thither to die as a martyr, and to give testimony for the covenant; whatsoever he had done being in the pursuit of the ends,' he said, 'of that sanctified obligation, to which he was in and by his conscience engaged.' And in this raving fit, without so much as praying for the king, otherwise than that he might propagate the Covenant, he laid his head upon the block with as much courage as the bravest and honestest man could do in the most pious oc casion."

Lord Clarendon mentions the Execution of Love thus: "Scotland being subdued, and Ireland reduced to that obedience as the par-and was as much transported with the inward liament could wish, nothing could be expected to be done in England for the king's advantage. From the time that Cromwell was chosen general in the place of Fairfax, he took all occasions to discountenance the Presbyterians, and to put them out of all trust and employment, as well in the country as in the army; and, whilst he was in Scotland, he had intercepted some letters from one Love, a Presbyterian minister in London (a fellow who hath been mentioned before, in the time the treaty was at Uxbridge, for preaching against peace) to a leading preacher in Scotland; and sent such an information against him, with so many successive instances that justice might be exemplarily done upon him, that, in spight of all the opposition which the Presbyterians could make, who appeared publicly

"Mr. Love, together with one Mr. Gibbons, suffered death together on Tower Hill at the earnest suit of Cromwell, protesting he would not march into Scotland unless they were cut off." History of Independency, part 4. p. 17.

189. The Trial of Mr. JOHN GIBBONS, before the High Court of Justice, for High Treason: 3 CHARLES II. A. D. 1651.

POTTER and Gibbons were both brought to the bar together. Potter's Charge was first read, unto which he pleaded Guilty, and made a large narrative of all his crimes against the state: very much was he examined against Master Gibbons, but no hurt at all he did him. After they had done with him, the Charge of master Gibbons was read; which when he heard he spake in this manner:

Gibbons. My Lord, this Charge is very new to me; I have been a prisoner under close imprisonment for many weeks together, and never knew before this time what it was, in parti

cular, that was laid to my Charge: And now I do hear my particular accusation, it is so strange to me, that I do not know what to say to it at the first hearing; therefore I humbly beseech your lordship that I may hear it read again.

Att. Gen. (Mr. Prideaux.) My Lord, Master Gibbons heard Potter's Charge read, which was very like to his own; so he hath heard it twice already: however, my lord, he may hear it read again; for he may hear it thrice.

Ld. President Keble. Come let him hear it again; he is a young man, let him have what

favour he may have: mark it well, now you Lear it again.

After reading, Master Gibbons spake in this

Danner:

Piercy, Jermin, &c and other their complices' since the death of the late king, several days and times in the years aforesaid, within this commonwealth of England, and elsewhere, did traitorously and maliciously declare, publish, and promote Charles Stuart, son of the late king, commonly called the prince of Wales, to be king of England, meaning of this common

Gibbons. My Lord, I am brought hither by an Order of this Court, which Order mentions a Charge of Treason exhibited against me; I should betray the liberty I am born unto, if I should not desire a trial, according to the fun-wealth. damental laws of this nation, which is by a jury of my neighbourhood: the benefits and advantages are exceeding great, therefore I do earnestly crave to have them.

Keble. The State hath thought of another way of trial, which you must have, and submit to; this is best for your advantage, and more bonourable, than any other you can have, therefore you must plead Guilty or Not Guilty. Gibbons. My Lord, I shall never be so progal of my blood, as to throw away my life by reusing a trial before you, though I am not satisted in this new way of trial; yet I shall not refuse to plead in confidence of my own innocency, aud in hope of your tenderness in matters of blood. But before I plead, and answer to my charge, I have this humble motion to Inake.

Here he spake very much on the first day of Es trial, moving very much for counsel; but after he had used many arguments to persuade the court to incline to it, and could not have it, he desi.ed the court to be the counsel for him, and take care of his life, and not suffer him by his own ignorance to weave a web for his own ruin and destruction. After much said of this nature, he pleaded Not Guilty: the which being entered in the book, they proceeded to Trial.

Att. Gen. The Attorney-General began with a long speech, how Master Gibbons had plotted and contrived these treasons; named the meetings and the places where he said it began presently after the late king's death, under the pretence of getting the king to Scotlaud; but the truth was, they intended to settle ham upon this commonwealth. And further, That he the said John Gibbons, as a false Traitor, and out of a malicious and wicked purpose and design to raise insurrections in this nation, did several days and times in the years 1648, 49, 50, and 51, and at divers other times and places within this commonwealth, together with Christopher Love, Piercy, Jermin, Massey, &c. and other their complices, being false traitors to this commonwealth, traitorously, maliciously, complot, contrive and endeavour to raise forces against this commonwealth, settled in way of a free state, without King or House of Lords: and for the subversion of the same, did raise and collect divers great sums of money, and did hold intelligence by letters, messages and instructions, with Charles Stuart, son of the late king, and with the queen his mother, and divers other persons, being false traitors to this commonwealth.

And further, he the said John Gibbons, together with Christopher Love, William Drake,

And further to carry on the said Design, he the said John Gibbons several days and times in the respective years aforesaid, together with Christopher Love, William Drake, Piercy, &c. did endeavour to procure the Scots to invade this commonwealth of England.

And further, That he the said John Gibbons on the 6th of April, 1650, and on divers other days and times between the 29th day of March, 1650, and the 1st day of June, 1651, at London, and elsewhere, did give, use, and hold correspondence with the said Charles Stuart, son of the late king, and the queen his mother, Jermin, Piercy, &c.

And further, to accomplish the said Designs, he the said John Gibbons, on the 6th day of April, 1651, at the places afore-mentioned, did hold and give correspondence and intelligence with divers persons of the Scotish nation, as Argyle, Lowdon, Lothian, &c. enemies to this commonwealth, and adhering to the king in the war against them.

Aud further the said John Gibbons did traitorously and maliciously abet, assist, countenance, and encourage the Scotish nation, and divers other persons adhering to them; and did convey great sums of money, arms, and ammunition into Scotland, and elsewhere. All which wicked practices and designs of him the said John Gibbons were against this commonwealth, parliament, and people; and in manifest contempt of the Laws of this nation, and acts of parliament, in such cases made and provided.

[After he had ended, the Witnesses were called:

The first was major Adams; the second col. Barton; the third was capt. Hatsel; the fourth col. Bains; the fifth najor Alford; the sixth capt. Far; the seventh was master Jaquel; the eighth was major Huntington; the ninth master Harvey; the tenth was major Corbet. Adams being first examined, his testimony was to this cffect.]

Adams's Testimony.

That the correspondency of John Gibbons with the rest abovesaid, was to endeavour an agreement between the king and the Scots. The first meeting was at the Swan in Fishstreet, where Master Gibbons was. At that place there was only a consideration how to carry on the correspondency. There was also a petition to be sent to the king (as I was informed); and the meeting in this place was in reference to that also. There was letters written to Scotland, and some received thence; which Mr. Gibbons was privy to. After Master Drake went away, we inct at Master Love's

Major Alford's Testimony.

house, where Master Gibbons met also. There were letters read; and I think Master Gibbons did hear them, and did confer about them. The letters sent to Jermin, Piercy, &c. at one time or other Master Gibbons was present, and heard them read. This was before Titus's going away. Then after there were letters sent from the king, which were read at Master Love's house; where Master Gibbons was present, and heard them read. Master Gibbons brought likewise a rough draught of the instructions that were to go to Holland. Also there was a Letter read at Mr. Love's from alderman Bunce, where Master Gibbons was present. Also a letter after Dunbar fight from Scotland, relating how affairs stood there, (and that letter, as I now remember, was for arms and noney) was read at Master Love's house; where Master Gibbons was present at the reading of it. Master Gibbons was a constant man at all meetings. A letter was sent from Massey, read at Master Love's, for arms and money: Master Gibbons was present. And three or four hundred pounds agreed to be sent. A letter was written to the estates of Scotland, to procure Massey and the English to be insion, or instructions, or both together in one. esteem. Master Gibbons sometimes acquainted me where we were to meet.

where divers were, captain Titus made a large At the meeting at the Swan at Dowgate, narration of the prince's deportment, declarng how inclinable he was to cast off his cavaliering adherents, if he were but assured there was a people in England that stuck to their and was ready to apply himself to the ends of covenant; he was weary of his other counsels, the covenant.-A Petition was brought to the Bear in Bread-Street, where it was read, and and captain Titus and Drake were sent away debated among us, and agreed to be drawn up; with it.-I do not remember that Master Gibbons was at either of these meetings.-There of me; he had it in private. Captain Titus was money raised for Titus: Drake had 10!. had 301. for his journey. He went over twice, I think; and if so, the second time Master Gibbons was there. The second time I saw Master Gibbons, he brought me to his chamber; and the third time he and I went with some papers to Grave end, agreed on at Master Love's. These papers were either a commis

Lieutenant-Colonel Baine's Testimony. A little while after the death of the late king, there was a meeting at the Swan at Dowgate, where several persons were: but whether Mr. Gibbons was there, I know not. But captain Titus was there, and gave a large commendation of the young prince; and moved that a petition might be drawn up, and sent to the prince from the Presbyterian party here. There was a debate upon it: and this design was looked upon as the only visible way to serve the Presbyterian, Party, and to bring the prince to the crown.

Colonel Barton's Testimony.

pre

He

But this was the substauce, that the lord Willoughby, and others, should go to the treaty at Breda, and to press the king concerning this Agreement with Scotland.-Master Gibbons sion and instructions were agreed upon. was at Master Love's house when the commisand I went to Gravesend; and (I think) he carried the papers. But of this I am sure, that he knew the end of our going. We tarried there all night; and delivered the papers to Mr. Mason. I did go to Celais when I came back; but I do not know whether the papers that I brought over (being read at Master Love's house) were read all at one time, or not: If they were, then Master Gibbons was there.— I was present when the letters came, after Dunbar fight, at Mr. Love's. The letters came from colonel Massey: they gave an account of the fight there, and of the state of affairs: and withal, writ for money and arms, to be sent way of Holland. I cannot say Mr. Gibbons met with William Drake, who desired me to was present. There was money agreed upon meet him at the Swan at Dowgate. When I came there, I found captain Titus, lieutenant-there to be raised for Massey and Titus. Mr. colonel Baines, and divers other persons: I Gibbons was many times at the Swan at Dowgate; he was constant at the club. But after Mr. Drake fled, we did take in other men into the club: Mr Gibbons was as little absent às any man.—Mr. Gibbons did put me upon it : to shew friendship to Mr. Mason; and he gave me this reason, that so, Mr. Mason might represent our good affections to the king: and Mr. Gibbons did desire me to defray the charges of that night's expences at Gravesend; where Mr. Mason was telling me, that if I were not allowed it by our friends, he would do it.

A while after the death of the late king I was going into Cannon-Street, and at Dowgate

believe Mr. Gibbons was not there. I came in while they were in discourse, and I could not well hear them. But at their rising, I asked Mr. Drake what was the occasion of their meeting; and he told me that captain Titus had given a good report of the prince, and did desire that some addresses might be made to bin, that thereby he might be taken off from his cavaliering counsellors. After a while William Drake came to me for 10l. which

he said was to furnish a friend of his which did want 1007. He desired I would not deny him; and because he was a good customer to my house, I did lend it him. And after I heard it was for captain Titus. As for the prisoner, I think he was not at the Swan at Dowgate; for I did not know him till afterwards.

by

Master Harvey's Testimony.

I came to the knowledge of this design at several meetings and places. Mr. Gibbons told me of 2,000l, which was to be sent into Scotland; and that Massey was to land forces in the West: And concerning my lord general's

soldiers, that many of them were run away: Aud concerning the trained bands of the North, he said they waited but for one blow to be given in Scotland. He told me also of a town that was to be delivered.

Major Huntington's Testimony.

The first that made me acquainted with this design was Mr. Gibbons: who told me, that if I would come to Mr. Love's house, I should hear the news. I went to Mr. Love's: And when I came there, that which I heard was a paper sent from Massey, Graves, and Titus, brought by Drake, and read by him. Mr. Gibbons was there then: There was many more there in Mr. Love's closet; but I cannot say well who they were.

[The Testimonies of the rest of the witnesses could not be well heard; neither can they be had, the books being so close kept. After all was ended, Mr. Keble desired Master Gibbons to speak for himself.]

besides himself, nothing could be expected but death. He was extremely desirous to have a discovery of some persons of quality: But Mr. Gibbons constantly affirmed he knew of none; neither would he accuse any; for he had rather die than be a means to scandal or hazard

any good man. This he constantly affirmed with an undaunted resolution to the last.

Wednesday, the second Day's Trial, July 23. Master Gibbons being brought before the court, my lord Keble spake as followeth :

Keble. Master Gibbons, the Court out of abundance of favour to you, have given you time from Friday till now, whereby you may be able to make your Detence: Therefore it is now expected you shall proceed, and plead what you have to say.

Gibbons. My lord, the last time I was before this honourable Court, after I had desired a jury, and was denied it, I did, in confidence of my own innocency, and your tenderness in matters of blood, submit to a trial, though I was no way satisfied in this new way of trial: But before I could plead, I made this humble motion, perceiving the charge against me for high treason, was against several statutes, laws, and acts of parliament, which I never saw, beard, or read them in my life. My life and estate being thus drawn into question, my lord,

Gibbons. My lord, I have now stood here near five hours, and am both spent in my body and spirit; and that I am as unable in body to speak for myself, as I am disabled to make my Defence without the Court grant me time, a copy of my Charge, the Depositions of the Witnesses, and assign me counsel. And therefore, before I plead or answer to my Charge, I have this humble motion to make, (Iit did very much concern me to be well adbeing a man altogether ignorant and unacquainted with the laws), That this court would be pleased, as I said before, to assign me counsel to advise me in my chamber, and to plead for me in the court; and that your lordship and this Court would be pleased to give me a copy of my Charge, and to assign me a solicitor, to solicit my business for me.

Keble. Mr. Gibbons, you must proceed to make some general Defence for the present.

Gibbons. My lord, I hope you will do as God use to do, allow some grains of allowance, that a man that bath nothing but weakness and ignorance may help himself.

Upon this motion the Court adjourned, and Mr. Gibbons was taken away by the keeper of Newgate; and thereafter came a warrant to bring him to the bar the Wednesday following.

In the mean time there were several friends that went to mediate and speak for him to the Judge, who did lay out his simplicity and innocency, labouring what they could for the saving of his life. The Judge answered, That he was not so simple as he was set out by them; and that he doubted not but he was a servant to greater persons, who had employed him: But if he would be ingenuous, and discover the parties that were in that design, he would labour to save his life, and do him good; but if he would not confess, he could not help him. Yet still they interceded for him, until at last the Judge told one of them, That verily he was persuaded that he was innocent: But nevertheless, if he did not reveal all those whom he knew to have any knowledge of the business

VOL. V.

vised, there being many things in the statutes which made for my advantage, both in my plea and defence; Therefore I did humbly beseech your lordship and this High Court that I might have counsel in law assigned me, both to advise me in my chamber, and plead for me in this court, that so I might be able to take all those lawful advantages which the statutes and acts of parliament afford me; which I was not able to do myself, being ignorant of the laws. This being denied, and I seeing I could no way obtain counsel to preserve my life, as I did see the state had got great counsel against me, to prosecute me for my life; I did humbly beseech your lordship, and this High Court, that you would be so far of counsel for me, a poor prisoner standing at the bar, drawn in question before the justice for my life, that you would not let the learned counsel of this commonwealth take any advantage against me, through my ignorance or want of skill in the laws; but that if the statutes and acts of parliament, and laws of the land, did afford me any advantage, which I might over-slip through my ignorance, that your lordship and the Court, out of your bowels of compassion to a poor prisoner, would stand for me, that I might not have wrong done, nor law denied me, which by right was due unto me. Upon these considerations, my lord, I did plead Not Guilty. I do humbly thank your lordship and the Court for the time you have given me; but am as unable to answer or speak for myself now, as I was the last time I took my leave of this Court, being wholly unfurnished, and altogether disenabled to make my Defence: For when I came back T